Lithuanian folklore
In spite of the popularity of folk songs and dances in Lithuania and among Lithuanian
Americans, the question arises concerning the social functions of folklore in a transitional
period of overwhelming changes. Is its primary function to preserve ethnic authenticity or is it
a source of community-building? And what are the new functions or perspectives of folklore
in the future? This paper attempts to answer these questions on the basis of questionnaires
administered in April - May 1993 among the members of four folklore groups in Kaunas,
Lithuania as well as questionnaires administered to members of Lithuanian folklore groups in
Kansas and Seattle, United States during the fall of 1993 and summer of 1994.
History Of Lithuanian Folklore
The Lithuanians have preserved one of the oldest languages in the world, a unique culture,
and unique customs. The earliest information we have about Lithuanians came from the
writings of Pliny the Elder, Marcus Claudius Tacitus and Claudius Ptolemy. Although in the
Quedlinburg Annals Lithuania is first mentioned in 1009, the beginning of the Lithuanian
state is considered to be the year 1236 when Grand Duke Mindaugas united a large portion of
the Baltic lands. The Grand Duchy of Lithuania survived for about 500 years, yet this country
lost its independence because it found itself on the crossroads of never-ending wars among
European states